“The Responsibility of States” - Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the OSCE Region (2014–2016) - Implementation of the international standards outlined in the ODIHR Guidelines

Sep 20, 2026

A comprehensive report analyzing how states in the OSCE region can protect human rights defenders, covering obligations and safeguards during 2014–2016. It focuses on implementing international standards set out in the ODIHR Guidelines, using a structured approach that includes executive findings, recommendations, and methodology. The document details protections for physical integrity, liberty, security, dignity, and freedom from judicial harassment, while addressing stigmatization, marginalized groups, and enabling conditions for rights work through legislative, institutional, and practical measures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages127

Reading Time5 h 20 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Recommendations

Methodology

International Standards: The ODIHR Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

1. Physical Integrity, Liberty and Security, and Dignity of Human Rights Defenders

2. A Safe and Enabling Environment Conducive to Human Rights Work

3. Framework for Implementation of the Guidelines

4. Annexes

ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights “The Responsibility of States”: Protection of Human Rights Defenders in the OSCE Region (2014–2016) Implementation of the international standards outlined in the ODIHR Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 9 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 13 International Standards: The ODIHR Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders ............................................................................................................. 15 1. Physical Integrity, Liberty and Security, and Dignity of Human Rights Defenders ......................................................................................................................... 19 1.1 Protection from threats, attacks and other abuses ................................................................... 19 1.1.1 Impunity and effective remedies ....................................................................................... 20 1.1.2 Protection policies, programmes and mechanisms .......................................................... 27 1.2 Protection from judicial harassment, criminalization, arbitrary arrest and detention.............. 28 1.2.1 Criminalization or arbitrary and abusive application of legislation ............................... 30 1.2.2 Arbitrary detention and treatment in detention ................................................................ 37 1.2.3 Fair trial ........................................................................................................................... 43 1.3 Confronting stigmatization and marginalization ..................................................................... 49 1.3.1 Smear campaigns against human rights defenders .......................................................... 52 1.3.2 Women human rights defenders ....................................................................................... 54 1.3.3 LGBTI human rights defenders ........................................................................................ 56 1.3.4 Ethnic minority human rights defenders .......................................................................... 58 2. A Safe and Enabling Environment Conducive to Human Rights Work............ 59 2.1 Freedom of opinion and expression and of information.......................................................... 60 2.1.1 Access to information of public interest and whistleblowers ........................................... 60 2.1.2 Freedom of the media ...................................................................................................... 63 2.2 Freedom of peaceful assembly ................................................................................................ 72 2.2.1 Regulatory restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly ............................................... 72 2.2.2 Restrictions and penalties imposed on peaceful assemblies ............................................ 76 2.2.3 Challenges in the protection of public assemblies ........................................................... 81 2.3 Freedom of association and the right to form, join and participate effectively in NGOs........ 85 2.3.1 Laws, administrative procedures and requirements governing the operation of NGOs.. 86 2.3.2 Access to funding and resources ...................................................................................... 90 2.4 Right to participate in public affairs .........................................

FAQs

What is the main focus of the report regarding human rights defenders?

The report examines state obligations and practical measures to protect human rights defenders in the OSCE region during 2014–2016, emphasizing implementation of international standards.

Which guidelines provide the international standards referenced in the report?

The standards are based on the ODIHR Guidelines on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.

How does the report organize protections for human rights defenders?

It structures content around protection of physical integrity, freedom from judicial harassment and detention-related abuses, and measures creating a safe and enabling environment, along with attention to stigmatization and marginalized groups.

Sep 20, 2026

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